The good news: Musicians are rarely at a loss for words in interviews.

The bad news: Musicians are rarely at a loss for words in interviews.

To celebrate the start of 2013 and bid farewell to 2012, here are some quotes of note from various Night&Day interviews over the past year. (To read all of these interviews in full go to: utsandiego.com/staff/george-varga/)

“In so many areas of life, I’m a spaz and incompetent. I’m far below the average. I’m exceptionally poor at most survival skills.” — Dave Matthews Band leader Dave Matthews thanks his lucky stars he made it in music.

“I don’t expect to win or even make it to the Top 5, or the Top 9. I’m blessed to be here, and if I get cut, I get cut. I’m just grateful to be here.” — Young Chula Vista vocal phenom Jessica Sanchez under-estimates her Top 2 finish on “American Idol.”

“I write about the ordinary, but that’s what I know. And I know that extraordinary things happen to ordinary people.” — Kinks mastermind Ray Davies shares his key to great songwriting.

“We were never Christian enough for the Christian world, but were always way too Christian for the rock world. We played on (heavy-metal king Ozzy Osbourne’s) Ozzfest tour (in 2000 and 2002), and Christians protested us being there, which didn’t make sense to us because we were called to go to the light and spread the word.” — P.O.D. vocalist Sonny Sandoval juggles his faith and his music.

“I’m not scared of gong back to work (a day job), if — one day — I had to. I’d rather be sincere than write a bunch of crappy songs for the money.” — Alabama Shakes singer Brittany Howard likes to keep it real.

“Um, well, you’d have to have a pretty strong stomach to be married to me. I don’t mean you personally, but just generally.” — Neil Diamond confirms he is indeed a “high maintenance” husband.

“I guess the worst gig I ever did would have to be the one where I got attacked on stage and got three of my ribs broken by a drunken maniac — not my brother, I hasten to add.” — Former Oasis leader Noel Gallagher sets the record straight.

"You can’t be a flash in the pan, with two or three hit songs and you’re gone. In order to get that kind of award, you have to have a lifetime of success.” — Country-music icon Merle Haggard is understandably proud to have received his Kennedy Center Honor.

“I’ve had accidents all over the world. We were opening up for the Rolling Stones in 1995 and I had to run to the bathroom on stage, while my band was still playing our opening number. So I got to hear our first song, opening for the Stones from inside a Porta-Potty onstage! — Pearl Jam guitarist Mike McCready keeps his Crohn's disease in check.

“I got a good review, but then they want to rip into me because I’m not my father. It’s a really hard thing to overcome.” — Lisa Marie Presley still can’t step out of her iconic father’s shadow

“I know I ran in 2008 and 2004, and I think I may have also run in 2000. I keep on trying, because no one likes a quitter.” — El Vez (a/k/a/ San diego native Robert Lopez) hasn't let go of his ambitions to win the White House.

"I don’t see any reason why rock musicians should be judged by the work they do when they’re young and don’t know (stuff).” — Wilco leader Jeff Tweedy is happy to be middle-aged.

“I don’t have any more music in me; I came and went.” — Punk-rock icon Henry Rollins, 51, explains why he now focuses on spoken-word performances.

"I’m damn good at what I do. But do I think I’m the only person capable of doing what I do? Absolutely not.” — Sixtysomething singer-guitarist Paul Stanley is not averse to having someone else take over his role in Kiss.

“I’m not a violent person, but I’m not the kind to play the victim. That’s why I don’t do too many heartbreak songs. I’m not a mushy person, either. I love the attitude and empowerment of saying, ‘I’m not going to sit around crying or being brokenhearted.’ It’s more about taking control — and you can put a fun (musical) groove under it.” — Carrie Underwood really enjoys doing revenge songs directed at unfaithful men who do their women wrong.

“I couldn’t get over how professional Lady Gaga was. She is one phenomenal gal, as far as I’m concerned.” — Tony Bennett gives it up for one of his most colorful recent “Duets” recording partners.

“I was like a kid. I said: ‘You’re Stevie Wonder!’ It was amazing, like a dream come true. Then I said: ‘I love all your music,’ and I started crying. I was in awe of him.” — English singer-songwriter James Morrison, 28, is still giddy about meeting his biggest musical idol.

The (film crew) was throwing buckets of seawater on her to keep her wet and glistening. I’m a surfer, so I’m used to cold water. But she was freezing.” — Chris Isaak admits that making his “Wicked Game” video on a Hawaiian Beach with super-model Helena Christensen was not as romantic as it looked.

“I wear knee-high boots, a black bra and leather pants, but with only one leg (covered). The other leg has one butt cheek (partially exposed). Obviously, I wouldn’t dress like that for my classical music tours.” — Picking the right stage attire is vital for “Michael Jackson The Immortal” tour cellist (and Poway High School grad) Tina Guo.

“If I find myself in my head or dwelling in seriousness, I think of my friends back home and how they’d be laughing at me” — Jason Mraz has a proven method to keep his feet on the ground.

"People who paint forgeries, why don’t they just do their own paintings? They could use that same energy to do something constructive.” — Patti Smith prefers originals to copies.

"I think I still have a lot of great songs I want to write. And, until I accomplish those things, I don't feel want to indulge into writing my autobiography." — Reggae legend Jimmy Cliff won't be writing his memoirs just yet.

"I have a degree in political science, but – like many politicians -- I really got a degree in B.S. That’s where my talent lies. I’m not a great singer or songwriter, but I can entertain." — Mojo Nixon knows where his talents lay.

"I’m not very quotable, and you can quote me on that.” — So does Skid Roper, Nixon's erstwhile musical partner.